URGENT CALL TO ACTION!! City files motion to KILL Beau!

After Beau's legal team received two hearing dates, we thought Beau had a good chance, but once again the powers that be have pulled a fast one! At Tuesday's Board of Aldermen meeting in Dyersburg, TN Beau was discussed. A city attorney would NOT confirm the ordinance was legal and basically the aldermen were told no one wanted Beau dead. The next day, a motion was filed to vacate the stay of execution by the ci

Click Here to Read Entire Story

A True Life "WAGS" To Riches Story

The Swedish extreme racing team, Peak Performance,  were competing in a 430-mile-race through Ecuador when they took a well deserved break from their grueling feat to eat lunch. Since the team was in the middle of the rain forest, they were wary of any animals who might approach. But the only one who did was a scraggly, mangy stray dog who they affectionately named Arthur.


Click HERE to Read Entire Story and View Pictures of the event.

#SaveBela campaign may spare dog’s life

Connie Ley made an unusual request in her will before she died last month in Aurora, Indiana: She asked that her German shepherd, Bela, be euthanized and buried with her.

Three weeks later, however, Bela, who is 9 years old and male, is healthy and very much alive. And there’s a growing movement on social media to defy his late owner’s wishes and spare the animal.

Ley’s attorney, Doug Denmure, told CNN affiliate WCPO-TV that his late client preferred to send Bela to Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill sanctuary in southern Utah to live out the remainder of his days.

But if transporting the dog across the country proved too expensive, Ley wanted a close friend to take charge of Bela and carry out her request that “the dog be put to sleep, cremated and that the dog’s ashes be placed with her own ashes.”

Read More

Source: http://fox43.com/

ATTENTION: Free Kibble Donating ALL Kibble Raised Today To Mudslide Victims in Washington!

ALL the kibble raised today, will be donated to care for dogs & cats impacted by the mudslides in Washington - spread the word!



Click HERE to play!

TAP That Thang!

Extreme Cold Weather Regions...

PLEASE REMEMBER 

TO TAP THE HOOD OF YOUR VEHICLES BEFORE GETTING IN!

Cats often take shelter under the hoods of cars where it's warm.  So PLEASE...Remember to Tap the hood of your vehicle before getting in.  Or at the very least make enough noise where it will scare the cat out. 

DO NOT BLOW YOUR HORNS!

Blowing your horns can cause damage to the cat's hearing and/or cause it to harm itself while trying to hurry out.  

Remember To  Leave Food and Water.  And to check on the water supply.  In these freezing temps the water will freeze up rather quickly.  So check often throughout the day.

Use Straw to line shelters or to put where strays and ferals take shelter like under your house or porch.  

Learn more about what you can to do by visiting The Humane Society's website.  

Just click HERE

Kentucky Humane Society seeks donations for dogs rescued from Pulaski Co.

PULASKI CO., Ky. (WHAS11) -- The Kentucky Humane Society says some of the dogs rescued this week from a puppy mill in Pulaski County could go up for adoption as early as next week.

Forty-three dogs were rescued from that puppy mill on Tuesday. The dogs are being checked out by vets at the Humane Society in Louisville.

If you can't give an animal a home there are still ways you can help.

The Humane Society says right now, it needs cleaning supplies, blankets and bedding and soft dog treats.

Donations can be taken to the main office on Steedly Drive or to any of the Humane Society's Adoption sites at local Feeders Supply stores.

For more information, or to make a monetary donation,  please contact 
The Kentucky Humane Society



"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,Nothing is going to get better. It's not." ~ The Lorax (by Dr. Suess)

Severely Neglected Dog Needs Your Help!

TOVAH

Tovah was found abandoned, cold and nearly starved to death. She was emaciated and suffering from a severe upper respiratory infection and intestinal conditions. She hardly had the energy to stand.

Tovah is now safe at North Shore Animal League America where she is receiving veterinary care and warm, loving attention.

We are counting on you to help us continue to provide Tovah, and many animals like her, with the care they need to recover and live long and happy lives.


CLICK HERE TO HELP!

Woof! Meow! Tweet! The Benefits Of Having Pets In Our MS Life

Article by  Christie Germans

Dog, cat, chinchilla, hamster, ferret, fish, bearded dragon, parakeet, pig, monkey – whatever your choice, pets really make us feel good, better even, as we live with chronic illness and disability. Not only can they provide physical assistance, they also warm our hearts and make living with MS a bit easier.

I am reminded of this as the winter temperatures drop and my cat, Hans, now cuddles more. (Yes, even in California, it gets cold. It dropped to the high 30’s the other night, which is cold for us, really, really cold. Brrrr!). There is nothing better than a good snuggle with Hans to warm me up. On the days I do not feel well, Hans just seems to pick up on this and cuddles with me even more, even closer. How wonderful this is as he distracts me from the pain I feel, the burning in my legs, the extreme fatigue I battle.

And, there is more to it than just the snuggles. Having pets in our lives has a wide range of benefits. They help us cope, lift us from feelings of loneliness and depression and get us outside for a bit of sunshine and exercise.

Top 7 benefits of having pets in our MS life:

1. Pets keep us company. Living with a companion animal can help ease feelings of isolation. Having a buddy by your side can make such a big difference in minimizing the feelings of loneliness. Even if the conversation is only one way…

2. Pets can help us fight depression. Taking care of pets (walking them, grooming them, petting them, playing with them) takes you out of yourself and helps you feel better. Our pets’ love is unconditional so, good day or bad, they have a lot to give us. Well, that is unless your name is Hans who, when he doesn’t get the treats he persistently begs for in the morning, may not be spreading the love quite as far.

3. Pets give us a sense of support and pleasure. Our life with MS should focus more on the good parts, not the un-fun stuff, right? Having pets makes us feel good. They’re cute and they’re sweet and they’re funny and they’re snuggly. All good stuff that makes living with MS a bit more bearable.

4. Pets get us outside when we might not otherwise. When we walk Spot, we sometimes meet others along the way, stopping for conversation, watching dogs do the funny things they do. It’s a great social outlet. Plus, there’s the added benefit of soaking some of that sun vitamin!

5. Pets calm us and relieve our anxiety. This is a big one for me as I am slightly neurotic. Hans is chill so he keeps me chill, not an easy feat. Om.

6. Pets help minimize stress levels – this is huge for us, as stress is often the culprit when our symptoms flare up.

7. Pets help us improve our physical fitness. After all, exercise is important for MSers and, taking your dog for short walks or tossing their favorite toy in the backyard, helps keep us moving. This includes basic stretching. I can’t tell you how many times Hans watches us at home, with keen interest and curiosity, as we stretch or do some yoga. Eventually, he gets right on the floor with us to do a bit of stretching himself. Kitty Yoga. Hilarious!

Our animals really enhance our lives, don’t they? And, they help us a lot during difficult times, during those painful moments with MS. Nudging their wet noses against us for a pet or cuddling with us after an injection or keeping us company while we hang out in bed battling fatigue. These pet moments make MS matter less and make life with MS a little bit easier.

How about you? Tell us about your pet and how your life is better because of your pet. I’m sure you have a story you’d love to share and we’d love to hear about the healing power of your pets.

Source:  Multiple Sclerosis Site

Pet Winter Safety: Prepping Your Pet for Winter Weather

When the weather outside is frightful, these winter pet tips can keep your precious pets snug, safe, and warm.

Keeping Warm: Fur Isn't Flawless

We may admire our pets' plush coats, but as beautiful as fur is, it's not a perfect insulator, especially when it's very cold.

In winter, pets can suffer from the weather extremes "for the same reason that mountain climbers can get hypothermia no matter what type of protective clothing they are wearing," says Oregon veterinarian Marla J. McGeorge, DVM. "Mammalian systems for heat retention and regulation can be overwhelmed by excessive cold."

And, if an animal's coat gets wet, the fur loses much of its insulating ability, McGeorge tells WebMD. For cats and dogs with short fur, the protection is even more minimal, "sort of like wearing a T-shirt when it's below freezing." 

Click HERE to Read Entire Article

Winter Shelters for Outside Pets, Ferals and Strays!

Design Basics

There are many ways to build adequate shelter will all good designs sharing two qualities: strong insulation and minimal air space. The insulation is needed to trap the cats’ body heat, effectively turning the cats into little radiators. Empty air space needs to be eliminated in order to keep the amount of space that needs to be heated to a minimum. A well insulated large dog house will not work because there will be too much air space for the cats to warm. Likewise, a tight fitting space with thin, uninsulated walls won’t work either because the cat’s body heat will pass right through.

Smaller Shelters Provide Warmth – Build More, Smaller Shelters

With these design factors in mind, it is better to build two smaller shelters which will each hold three or four cats than one large shelter to house six to eight felines. With smaller shelters, even if only one or two cats go in, enough heat will be generated. But with the larger shelter, if only a small number of the cats use it at the same time, there will be too much empty air space for them to heat.

Wonderful Shelter Ideas, from Neighborhood Cats in NYC

Visit their website for photos and other ideas!

Winter Cat Shelter Made from Rubbermaid Storage Bin

This shelter was designed by CSM Stray Foundation of Kew Gardens, Queens, New York. Purchase a large Rubbermaid storage bin (a.k.a.  storage tote) with a removable lid. It’s important the brand is Rubbermaid otherwise the plastic walls may crack in frigid temperatures. You’ll also need an eight foot by two foot sheet of one inch thick hard Styrofoam, a yardstick, box cutter, and insulating material such as hay or straw.

To assemble:

1. Cut a doorway six inches by six inches in one of the long sides of the bin towards the corner. Cut the opening so that the bottom of the doorway is several inches above the ground to prevent flooding.
2. Line the floor of the bin with a piece of Styrofoam, using the yardstick and box cutter to cut the piece. It doesn’t have to be an exact fit, but the closer the better.
3. In a similar fashion, line each of the four interior walls of the bin with a piece of the Styrofoam. Again, perfect cuts are not necessary. Leave a cap of three inches between the top of these Styrofoam “wall pieces” and the upper lip of the bin.
4. Cut out a doorway in the Styrofoam interior wall where the doorway has been cut out all ready in the storage bin.
5. Stuff the bottom of the bin with straw or other insulating material (no blankets or towels!) to hold the wall pieces in place.
6. Cut out a Styrofoam “roof” to rest on top of the Styrofoam wall pieces.
7. Cover the bin with its lid.
8. This shelter is easy to clean by taking off the lid and the roof. It is lightweight and may need to be weighed down. A flap over the door way is optional.

Build a Shelter Using a Styrofoam Cooler

An adequate shelter for one cat can be made from a simple Styrofoam cooler available at any hardware store for about $6. Glue the lid onto the cooler, turn it upside down and cut a hole in one side (anywhere but in the middle of one of the long sides). The Styrofoam containers used to ship meat can be turned into shelters in the same way and can, depending on their size, house 3 to 4 cats. If you want to get fancy, get a large Igloo cooler and, with a jigsaw, cut a hole towards the left or right of one of the long sides. The attached lid will allow for easy cleaning.

Interior Insulation  - Insulating Your Cat Shelter

Putting insulating materials inside the shelter will increase the comfort and warmth of the cats. Insulation materials should only be used if the shelter can be periodically checked to see if they have gotten damp or too dirty and need to be replaced. If regular checkups are not possible, leave the interiors bare.

Straw, Hay and Other Good Insulating Materials

Straw and hay are good insulating materials to use. Straw is better than hay because it can absorb more moisture and is less prone to mold or rot.  Shredded newspaper will also work. One innovative idea is offered by Ellen Perry Berkeley in her book, “Maverick Cats.” Loosely fill a cotton pillow case with Styrofoam peanuts, the kind used to pack fragile items during shipping, and tie the pillow case closed. Then put the stuffed pillow case inside the shelter. The pillow case will conform to the cat’s body and wrap her in heat capturing peanuts.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Here is another simple shelter idea from one of our volunteers, thanks Jean!

Need to provide shelter for several cats? Purchase a 54” deck box (used to store deck furniture cushions). Cut a hole in the side for cat access. Then cut a board, fitting down the center, to separate the box into 2 sections.  One section can be filled with bedding, and the other section is used for feeding. Do not place water inside the shelter. Should the water spill the bedding and cats will get wet. When winter arrives, purchase a sheet of insulation board and cut it to fit the entire inside of the box. This shelter is lightweight and will need to be weighed down.

Source:  Alley Cats Advocates

Cross Off Your Holiday Shopping List By Shopping at the Humane Society of the U.S. Online Store!

The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to present holiday gifts for the animal lovers in your life from The HSUS online store, within The Animal Rescue Site. Get a head start on your holiday shopping and receive $5 off when you make a purchase of $25 or more using the code HSUS5OFF through November. Even better, 20 percent of your purchase will go directly to animal protection programs at The HSUS!

Browse some of our best sellers in apparel, jewelry, and accessories, get stylin' in our HSUS gear or shop for your pet! With our unbeatable prices, international shipping, and $4.95 standard U.S. shipping -- you're sure to find something for everyone on your list.

Check it all out by clicking HERE

Merry Christmas!

5 Ways to Keep Pets Safe on Halloween

Halloween can be a fun event for families and their pets. However, if safety precautions aren’t taken, it can also be a hazardous time for our four-legged companions.

According to Dr. Justine Lee, a critical care specialist and associate director of Veterinary Services at Pet Poison Helpline, calls increase by 12 percent during the week of Halloween, making it the call center’s busiest time of year.

Here are some practical yet potentially life-saving tips that can help protect your pets on Halloween.

1. Dangerous Pet Costumes

Your safest choice in a pet Halloween costume would be a loosely tied bandana; however, if you choose to dress up your pet, outfit your dog or cat with a simple approach. Pets can become tangled in elaborate, tight-fitting costumes with strings, ties, belts and sashes. Difficulty in mobility can lead to bodily injury, including strangulation.

Never leave a pet unattended while wearing a costume. Small (or large) parts of a costume can become chewed and ingested and can in turn potentially lead to foreign body ingestion which can be life threatening to your pet.

2. Halloween Decorations and Fire Hazards

If you like to decorate your home in the Halloween spirit, take into consideration what you're putting on display and where the decorations will be placed. Easy-to-reach decorations — or candles — can be eaten or knocked over, potentially leading to choking, foreign body ingestion, electrical shock and even burns and a household fire.

Err on the side of caution while decorating and choose pet-safe products.

3. Noise Affects Pets

Dogs and cats can become skittish and anxiety ridden on Halloween due to the incessant ringing of the doorbell, constant squeals and chatter just outside the door, and small fireworks set off in the street.

In addition, the barrage of strangers dressed in unfamiliar and scary costumes can alarm some pets, increasing their anxiety. Take extra precaution on Halloween: gauge your pet's typical reaction while greeting visitors and decide if putting up a baby gate or leaving your dog or cat in a back room of the house would keep them calmer throughout the evening.

4. Candy and Chocolate Are Toxic

Candy and chocolate are never good for dogs or cats and on Halloween there is an increased chance that Fluffy and Fido may consume treats meant for tricksters.

• Chocolate and xylitol, a sweetener found in many candies, can be extremely toxic to pets.
• Lollipops and their sticks can be choking hazards and cause a painful obstruction or foreign body ingestion that may require surgery to remove.
• Candies wrapped in plastic and other types of wrapping can also lead to chocking or cause an obstruction and upset stomach.

Easy solutions to prevent accidental toxicity or ingestion:

• Keep pet-safe treats on hand to satisfy your curious pet.
• Make sure all candies are out of your pet's reach.
• Consider leaving your pet in another part of the house where exposure to hazards is impossible

5. Lost Pets

Halloween isn't an ideal time to let your dog or cat wander outside unattended. While there aren't any documented reports or statistics to indicate that pet abduction increases on Halloween, be mindful that a prankster or a mean-spirited individual could be inspired to mess with your pet.

Take caution and keep pets indoors with you, or escort them outside on a leash if you plan on including your pet in neighborhood festivities. Sudden noises and strange-looking costumes can also spook your pet, causing them to run away, therefore, it’s always a good idea to adorn your pet with a collar and identification tags in case you become separated.

If you haven’t already opted to have your pet microchipped, now is a great time. Should your pet become lost, an ID tag and/or a microchip can help quickly reunite you with your dog or cat.

Emergency Care is Available

Don’t wait to have your pet treated in the case of an emergency. Locate a 24-hour veterinary clinic if your family veterinarian is not available.

If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxic substance during Halloween and you can’t see your veterinarian, contact the Pet Poison Helpline, a 24-hour service* that assists pet owners, veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are treating potentially poisoned pets.

SOURCE:  Veterinary Pet Insurance

MORE SAFETY TIPS FOR PET OWNERS

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/halloween-safety.html

http://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_halloween_safety_tips#.UnJXH3CkrYE

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/10-tips-to-protect-your-dog-on-halloween-night/page1.aspx

IPet Companion: Play With Shelter Animals

With iPet Companion, you can play with cats in shelters from the comfort of your computer. Just follow the instructions below to make some kitty's day special!

Click HERE to download the App

Or just copy and paste the URL below:

http://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ars/ipet-companion?link=ctg_ars_ipet-companion_from_home_MegaNav


And while you're at the Animal Rescue Site...

DON'T FORGET TO CLICK!

Vaccinate 250 Dogs Against Rabies By CLICKING

Your Daily Clicks DO matter!  Today you can help stop rabies in 250dogs just by going to the Animal Rescue Site and Clicking on the purple CLICK HERE button!

Vaccinate 250 Dogs 

Against Rabies

Stopping rabies in dogs is the key to preventing the disease in people. Locally, encourage pet owners to have their animals vaccinated. Internationally, support organizations like Global Alliance for Rabies Control in their efforts to beat rabies — and prevent thousands of deaths. Although rabies is 99.9% fatal for children in the developing world, it is 100% preventable if street dogs and domestic pets are vaccinated.


Read more at The Animal Rescue Site  Click HERE

Severely Emaciated Dog Found and Being Treated ~ Donations Needed *PLEASE SHARE*

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – A severely emaciated dog infested with fleas was discovered at a shelter Monday morning, according to The Arrow Fund.

The female Chihuahua mix, named Cher, was dumped in the overnight drop at Mason County Animal Shelter and taken to Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Louisville for 24 hour care.

One she arrived Dr. Scott Rizzo assessed Cher and her fragile frame. "Her body condition is about a one out of nine," said Rizzo. "Her blood work would suggest that she has not been getting adequate nutrition for a long time and she's quite a bit down the way."

The two to three year old pup weighs only seven pounds, which is half of what she should.

"We're putting together a feeding plan," said Rizzo. "You have to be very, very careful with how you re-feed these dogs. They can actually get complications from feeding too quickly now because the body can't handle the food."

Dr. Rizzo believes with the right care she can bounce back. "We've got some hurdles that we have to overcome, but I definitely think that there is path to getting her back to being a healthy dog," said Rizzo. 

Eaves hopes this type of neglect will get the community's attention. "It doesn't have to get to this point and you as a citizen can do the right thing and report it," said Eaves. 

Eaves said Cher will be monitored at Blue Pearl for around a week until she is stable. Doctors also found Cher was born with a heart condition that will require surgery once she is back to a healthy weight.

The Arrow Fund said donations are needed to care for Cher. If you would like more information on The Arrow Fund or to donate, click here. 

Donations can also be mailed to:

The Arrow Fund

P.O. Box 1127

Prospect, KY 40059

Source:  WAVE  3 News~ Louisville, Kentucky

Pets Instead Of Pills: Support Service Dogs For Veterans

For many veterans, it can be hard to return to normal life, performing daily activities, connecting with others, or managing stress of what they've been through. 

Trained service animals offer a way to manage the symptoms of PTSD without resorting to the antipsychotics often prescribed to these veterans. Millions of animals, meanwhile, sit in shelters and foster homes, waiting for a place to call a home of their own.

Congress has acknowledged this discrepancy with the Dog Training Therapy Act, legislation that directs the Department of Veteran Affairs to carry out a pilot program to train service dogs for veterans in need of therapeutic care for post-deployment mental health. Such a pilot would lay the groundwork for a large-scale program that could benefit the hundreds of thousands of veterans suffering from PTSD.

Rather than prescribing more pills, this legislation provides veterans with alternative care that can be integral to their recovery. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN IN SUPPORT OF A SERVICE DOG PILOT PROGRAM FOR BETERANS COPING WITH PTSD.

OR Copy & Paste the URL Below

http://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ars/petition/VetServiceDogs

Message From Wayne Pacelle, President & CEO The Humane Society of the United States

I have a huge victory to share with you! After years of pressure from The HSUS, and hundreds of thousands of emails and support from advocates like you, online puppy mills will finally be subject to federal inspections and oversight. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans today to ensure that large-scale breeding facilities that sell puppies over the Internet, by phone, or by mail are licensed and inspected regularly for basic humane care standards. This rule will also apply to large commercial breeders of other warm-blooded pets, such as kittens and small mammals

Read Wayne's Blog By Clicking HERE

Or By Copying & Pasting the URL Below:

http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2013/09/usda-announces-puppy-mill-rule.html